taraxacum

[ tuh-rak-suh-kuhm ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. the dried roots of any of several composite plants of the genus Taraxacum, as the dandelion, T. officinale or T. laevigatum, used in medicine in powdered or fluidextract form chiefly as a tonic and aperient.

taraxacum

/ təˈræksəkəm /

noun

1. any perennial plant of the genus Taraxacum, such as the dandelion, having dense heads of small yellow flowers and seeds with a feathery attachment: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. the dried root of the dandelion, used as a laxative, diuretic, and tonic

Word History and Origins

Origin of taraxacum¹

1700–10; < New Latin < Arabic ṭarakhshaqūn wild chicory < Persian tarkhashqūn wild endive

Word History and Origins

Origin of taraxacum¹

C18: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic tarakhshaqūn wild chicory, perhaps of Persian origin

Example Sentences

Good extract of taraxacum should be wholly soluble in water.

From Project Gutenberg

First, every one knows Taraxacum or dandelion; invalids know crust-coffee, and many with indignation know burnt peas.

From Project Gutenberg

Taraxacum, tar-aks′a-kum, n. the root of the dandelion, a tonic laxative in diseases of the liver.

From Project Gutenberg

I was suffering at this time from liver complaint, p. 182and had on my shelf a concoction of taraxacum and podophyllin.

From Project Gutenberg

Taraxacum Dens-leonis (common dandelion), Smith's, 1853; only there.

From Project Gutenberg